2 weeks Ago By postcourieronline
A 37-year-old mother from Rieit in Sinivit Local Level Government, in Pomio, East New Britain Province, shared a painful memory that still haunts her today. Travelling home with her 12-year-old daughter on a PMV, they were stopped at gunpoint by a group of young men near Delroy. The men demanded money, then searched their bags, taking everything they had bought in Kokopo.
But the most shockin g part was when they forced all women, including herself, to undergo full body searches. With tears in her eyes, the mother (who did not want to be named) recalled how helpless she felt, especially as she watched her 12-year-old daughter go through the same ordeal. “My heart broke seeing my daughter treated this way,” she said.
Despite the recent surrender ceremony aimed at fostering peace in the community, she doesn’t feel safe travelling on the same route. “The people who did this to us,” she said, “are walking free without facing any consequences.” Her story highlights the growing tension in East New Britain Province after a recent surrender and reconciliation ceremony.
Over the weekend, more than 200 youths, including juveniles, who had been involved in criminal activities, handed over their weapons and pledged to change their ways. The event took place in Sinivit, Pomio district, and was part of a larger peace initiative to reduce crime and violence in the province. However, the ceremony has sparked debate within communities and even on social media.
While many people support the initiative, believing it could pave the way for healing and unity, a significant number of residents are voicing concerns. On social media, 70 per cent expressed support for the program, applauding it as a step toward peace and reconciliation. But the 30 per cent, though commending Pomio MP Elias Kapavore for the initiative, are critical, arguing that the initiative undermines the rule of law.
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